I enjoyed this show so much the other night. I intended to post this on Friday, but my real job had to take precedence.
I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect… a medley of patriotic songs? I have never heard the FLT singers before, so I definitely wanted to go. I bought a ticket at the door.
It was that and so much more. Shaw Thompson does a perfect job with the program, there are patriotic songs interspersed with songs from the movies that we all know and love. (There is even a rousing rendition of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame) for the “seventh inning stretch”. I wish I could praise each and every song, but this post would take up more than you would be interested to read. Robin Thompson, looking very Kennedyesque, did a fantastic job on the piano.
There were several times I got chill bumps from head to toe. The first was in the very beginning when they sang the songs associated with each branch of the Armed Forces.
“The Caisson Song” Army
“The Marine’s Hymn” Marines
“Anchors Aweigh” Navy
“Semper Paratus” US Coast Guard
“The U.S. Airforce” Air Force
What was wonderful was that they asked any service members to stand during the playing of their song. Seeing all the heroes standing was truly awe inspiring. If there was a recruiter outside at intermission I think he would be in luck.
Michael Lindley sang “On This Day” and I was floored. It was absolutely beautiful and everyone around me was grabbing for tissues. Rebecca and Shaw Thompson sang “The Red, White, & Blue.” I don’t know them personally but I envision that their house is absolutely full of music. It was fun to see them sing together and they did an amazing job.
Courtney Dease performed “Tell My Father” from “The Civil War.” I loved him in “The Fantasticks” and he did a great job with this song. I also enjoyed the performance by Kevin Carter (Anthem from Chess). It was good to see him back on the stage after last seeing him in Guys and Dolls.
Cole Davis and Megerlyn Davis performed “Wheels of a Dream” from Ragtime. Y’all. They were amazing. I don’t believe I have seen them in anything before, but I hope they will return.
I enjoyed Arlene Boyd’s solo “Over the Rainbow.” I have seen her in the chorus but loved hearing her solo. I’m pretty sure she could record that and sell the CD pretty easily. Ben Hankinson did a great job tap dancing and “Singing in the Rain.” Chrissy Fennell sang “Part of your World” from the Little Mermaid. If you have a little girl that you think can sit through the performance, she will love this! Frankie Sullivan’s “Under the Sea” was a hoot! Watch out though– during the performance he selected one lucky audience volunteer that got to dance on stage with him.
Mr. Thompson then brought things back to America at its Best. The women of the FLT Singers did a superb job with “I Dream A World.” The show concludes with “Let There Be Peace on Earth.”
The show moves along quickly and I enjoyed every minute. I do hope that there a lot of people there on closing night, so I definitely recommend you checking it out. The number for the box office is 662-3731. It is well worth the $15.00. Also, if you have any family members (especially older family members) that were in the service? You should take them. It is quite a tribute.
(As a side note, I thought the lighting was perfect. I sometimes don’t feel like it is dark enough and last night it was exactly the way I like it.)
